‘Family Ties’ gives back –opens supermarket, variety store in West Berbice
Little Tyrehanna Crawford of El Dorado Village, West Coast Berbice cuts the ribbon with Ian Robertson to officially open the store
Little Tyrehanna Crawford of El Dorado Village, West Coast Berbice cuts the ribbon with Ian Robertson to officially open the store

By Ariana Gordon

GIVING back to the community of El Dorado Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) is the main objective of the opening of Family Ties Supermarket & Variety Store.General Manager of the store, Geneva Gordon told the Guyana Chronicle last Saturday that the idea of opening a supermarket in the village was to assist the community, by bringing quality service and convenience, while providing employment to residents.

She explained that for many years, the Robertson family wanted to open a grocery store in the village, in order to help the village become more self-sufficient, but that they never mustered the momentum to execute.

However, having now been persuaded that there was a growing demand for such a service, the family decided to make their dream a reality.

“It is all about giving back to society, you know. Sometimes, we cannot do as much as we would like, but it is the little things that matter,” Gordon said, adding:

“In addition to offering a range of groceries, personal and gift items to the community, I am pleased to have been able to offer employment to three ladies…

“I was hoping to have gender balance, but I am satisfied with what we have thus far.”

With the opening of the supermarket and variety store, hundreds of persons have access to affordable products. The new supermarket was opened officially on Saturday, May 21, a significant date in the family’s history, and offers a wide array of items.

“At Family Ties, you can find everything for your home; kitchen, toilet, bathroom, everything — you name it,” said an enthusiastic Gordon, who described business as promising.

The General Manager said that as Guyana celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, the family thought it best to officially open the store. According to her, having experienced 50 years of freedom from colonial rule, the next 50 years ought to be bright and prosperous for the youth and country.

“It is all about the future; it is about giving our young people something to look forward to, apart from crime and drugs. Family Ties welcomes the opportunity to give back to the community and will actively pursue more ways to do so as it serves the community of El Dorado Village and its environs.”

Supporting the General Manager was Ian Robertson, a relative of Gordon’s. Robertson spoke of the family’s ties to the community and desire to strengthen the family’s connections to the village by investing in its future.
“The name ‘Family Ties’ may suggest only blood ties, but for us it means all of you gathered here today. We see you as family and we appreciate your support,” said Robertson.

Similarly, Pastor Winston Mc Gowan who gave a charge and asked for God’s blessing on the business urged those associated with the supermarket to serve with justice, mercy and humility. Pastor Mc Gowan also noted that the store will be a boost for the West Coast Berbice area as it has been deprived in many ways over the years.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Profit/Rising Sun Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Emile Wilson welcomed the investment and pledged the support to the community. He charged other persons to make similar investments in the community.

Amarissa Mingo, a resident of the community and her three-year-old son could not be happier that they are now able to do their grocery shopping just a stone’s throw from their home. “There are limited grocery shops here and I am happy that there is one close to my home. It was hard to go grocery shopping at times because there aren’t many stores here…we would often have to go to Bush Lot Village or New Amsterdam to buy our goods. This store is welcomed.”

Mingo, a teacher, said she believes that the initiative is a good one that will go a long way and lauded the Robertson family.
Many persons from the village attended the opening of the 402 square foot store. “I’m really glad Family Ties is here because you can find everything here… I no longer have to go to Bush Lot or New Amsterdam to buy things,” said one shopper named Anita.

 

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